Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: ‘Manipur symbol of BJP, RSS’s hatred’, Rahul Gandhi kicks off 6700 km long yatra

As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi began Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur on Sunday, several BJP leaders took a jibe at the grand old party. One of the BJP leaders describe the nationwide foot march as “Bharat Todo Yatra” and said that the Congress should first provide justice to the leaders deserting it and to the people wronged by its erstwhile governments instead of promoting Rahul Gandhi and trying to maintain the hold of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.

Union minister Anurag Thakur described the yatra as a hoax and said senior Congress leaders were not getting justice and were joining other outfits.

Thakur referred to the exit of leaders such as Kapil Sibal, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Hardik Patel, Jyotiraditya Scindia, RPN Singh and Sunil Jakhar from the Congress.

“There is a long list of leaders who have left the Congress as they are not getting justice in the party. Now, Milind Deora too has left the Congress,” the senior BJP leader said.

Embarking on the second phase of his foot march across the nation, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is needed as the country is going through a period of “great injustice” and asserted that a vision of India based on equitability, brotherhood and harmony will emerge from the yatra.

“Question arises why Nyay Yatra? Because we are going through a period of great injustice in India- social, economic and political injustice’. Injustice against the people of Manipur, the traditions of Manipur, but also injustice across the nation,” he said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra kicked off in Manipur on Sunday. While addressing the people, Rahul Gandhi took multiple jibes at PM Modi. 

Targeting the central government for its apathy for Manipur post-ethnic violence, Rahul Gandhi said, “We don’t want to tell you about our ‘mann ki baat’ but to hear about your ‘mann ki baat’. We want to know about your pain. We want to share a vision of brotherhood and harmony.” (Read full story)

During the beginning of Bharat Jodo Yatra in Manipur, Congress president Mallikharjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on PM Modi on Sunday. While addressing the people in Manipur, Kharge accused PM Modi of using faith for electoral gain and said, “one should not do dhongbaazi (deception) for votes”.

“Wo samandar ke upar sair karte firte hai, aur jap karte baithte hain — Ram Ram Ram Ram (He is seen enjoying the sea, sitting and chanting Ram Ram). ‘Mukh mein Ram, bagal mein churi’, don’t do this with the people,” the Congress president said referring to the Hindi idiom that cautions against people whose words and actions differ.

Speaking about Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that whether the foot march is successful or not, it is a fight for ideology.

“This is an ideological struggle… On the pious occasion of Makar Sankranti, this yatra is beginning from Manipur for justice. Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, this yatra will go from east to west, from Manipur to Mumbai. Successful or unsuccessful is a different thing; this is a fight for ideology. Only the ideology of the Congress Party can save the country,” Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told ANI.

“This yatra has nothing to do with the elections or the victory or defeat in the elections. This is only to bring the ideology of Congress among the people,” he added.

With the beginning of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur, workers of Uttar Pradesh Congress took out a torch rally in Lucknow to show support for party leader Rahul Gandhi and his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

As the Bharat Jodo Yatra began today from Manipur, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, Jairam Ramesh targeted PM Modi for his long silence on Manipur violence. While talking to the media, the former Union Minister said, “It has been eight months now. Why has the Prime Minister not come here yet? Why does he not break his silence? He did not meet the state’s Chief Minister or the MPs the political parties or MLAs. Why is the Prime Minister scared for the last eight months? Why does he not come here? People are coming here and meeting Rahul Gandhi. They are sharing their pain with him. Rahul Gandhi is in Manipur for the second time. When he came here earlier, he stayed for three days. People are telling him that he is coming here but why is the Prime Minister not coming?”

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday began the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Sunday. Throughout his foot march, Gandhi continued to interact with people in Manipur.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said that Manipur has lost what it holds precious because of BJP’s politics.

Ahead of beginning the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi adressed the people in Manipur on Sunday. During his address, Rahul Gandhi said, “ You have lost what you have valued but we will find what you have valued once again and bring it back to you. We understand the pain the people of Manipur have been through. We understand the hurt, the loss and the sadness you have been through. We promise you that we will bring back what you have valued, we will bring back the harmony, the peace, the affection that this state has always been known for.” 

As Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and other senior party leaders began their Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Saturday, the Congress MP continued his foot march while briefly interacting with interacting with people throughout his way.

While addressing the public at a program in Manipur, Rahul Gandhi attacked PM Modi and said “People lost their loved ones in front of their eyes and till now the Indian PM has not come here to wipe off  your tears and hold your hands.” He also said that maybe for PM Modi, BJP and RSS, “Manipur is not a part of India.”

Ahead of the inauguration of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge attacked PM Modi for not visiting Manipur since the state is witnessing ethnic clashes in May 2023.

“PM Modi comes to Manipur to ask for votes but when the people of Manipur are in trouble he doesn’t show his face ‘wo samandar ke upar sair karta firta hai aur baithe jagah jap karte rehte hein Ram Ram’. Mukh mein Ram, bagal mein choori’, don’t do this with the people…everybody has faith in God but don’t do this for votes…these people (BJP) mix religion to provoke people,” he said in Manipur.

While addressing the inaugural ceremony of the foot march in Manipur, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that the Rahul Gandhi is leading the march to protect preamble of Constitution. He also said that the PM comes in the state only to seek votes, “but has not come when people in Manipur are in pain”.

After the inaugural ceremony, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Rahul Gandhi flagged off the foot march in Thoubal, Manipur on Sunday.

The inaugural ceremony of the Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra was held in Manipur on Saturday in the presence of Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, party MP Rahul Gandhi and other leaders. The foot march is likely to begin shortly.

After arriving in Manipur, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Khongjom War Memorial in Thouba on Saturday. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, set to begin today will cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, going through 110 districts.

Before the beginning of Nyay Yatra from Manipur, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi received a strong welcome from party leaders and workers as he arrived at Imphal airport on Sunday to embark on ‘Nyay Yatra’.

The Yatra will cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts. Ahead of the beginning of the nationwide march, the grand old party suffered a major blow after his senior Congress leader Milind Deora announced his resignation from the party.

Manipur Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: BJP leader Jaiveer Shergill said, “Nyaya Yatra is just a gimmick to keep Rahul Gandhi busy. The true objective, true DNA of this Yatra is ‘Bharat Badnam Karo Yatra’. Rahul Gandhi has got addicted to insulting the nation, insulting the army and rubbing shoulders with anti-India elements. In this ‘Bharat Badnam Yatra’ 2.0, Rahul Gandhi should also indulge in introspection as to why Congress is now collapsing like a house of cards?”

Manipur Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: NCP working president and MP Supriya Sule said, “Good wishes to Rahul Gandhi for all his hard work for his Nyay Yatra which is for spreading love and working according to the constitution of India,” reported ANI.

 “It’s unfortunate that BJP has to constantly import people from a completely different ideology to strengthen their party,” she said over Milind Deora’s resignation from Congress.

Manipur Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali in a social media post on X said, “ I had two options – either to accept the status quo and ignore the exploitation of Dalits, backwards, tribals, minorities and other marginalised and poor sections, or to launch an all-out campaign against this atmosphere of fear, hate, exploitation and the deepening divide in the country.”

Manipur Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali, who is suspended by BSP, arrived in Manipur to participate in Congress’ Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. He said, “Decided to join Congress’ yatra as I feel I will be failing in my duty as politician if I didn’t join biggest drive for unity, justice.’

Manipur Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam said, “Those party leaders who were questioning and analysing the ‘muhurat’ of Ram Temple, they should have at least known that according to the ‘shastras’, ‘panchak’ has begun and it will last till 18th January.”

He added, “No good work is started during these five days of ‘panchak’. And this Yatra is being started during this period. I pray to god that he bestows his blessings upon this yatra and Rahul Gandhi, reported ANI.”

Manipur Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Earlier, Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma had said that his government will give permission to the Congress to hold the Yatra as “all tourists were welcome” to the state.

The Congress had alleged that the state government denied permission at a school ground and a college for night halt and stationing of containers. Himanta Biswa Sarma in response said that permission cannot be given for schools and colleges when it is in session.

Manipur Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli says, “These words that the Congress party uses for Rahul Gandhi’s political campaigns…they have no meaning…Compare the Northeast only, that’s where Rahul Gandhi is starting his yatra from, Manipur. In the last 60 years, compare that with PM Modi’s nine or ten years.” While questioning Congress, he said, “How many times did the Congress UPA government or its prime minister ever visit the Northeast? PM Modi has come here in the last nine years over 60 times. More than 400 visits by the ministers of PM Modi’s government.”

Manipur Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “All I can say is that in 2003, we lost Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, people wrote the Congress off, but in 2004, the Congress formed the government. India was shining at that time,” reported PTI.

Manipur Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “Tiger zinda hai, that is my constant refrain” when asked about BJP’s narrative that 2024 poll results were a foregone conclusion. “Amrit kaal is a dream, anyay kaal is a nightmare,” he added. Over Congress party’s appeal to invite all INDIA bloc leaders, Jairam Ramesh said, “A weak Congress cannot ensure a strong opposition. Only a strong Congress can ensure a strong opposition. This ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ is to strengthen the Congress,” reported PTI.

Manipur Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: While dismissing concerns over disruptions in poll preparations due to Rahul Gandhi’s yatra, Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “The yatra will end by the time polls start. I expect the elections to start somewhere, maybe in first week of April by which time the yatra would have been over. Meetings can always be held on Zoom. I don’t see it as a problem,” reported PTI.

Manipur Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar said that he hopes that the country will be united and a big change will come about ahead of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

DK Shivakumar said, “It is a very important day for the Congress party and the country. I will be going with the CM for the Bharat Jodo Nyay inaugural program. I hope the country will be united and there will be a big change.” reported ANI.

Manipur Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday in a social media post on X said that the party aims to reach every house till people get the right to justice. He stated in Hindi, “We will reach every house, till we get the right to justice! Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra will begin from Thoubal, Manipur today. People’s beloved Shri @RahulGandhiji will lead this national mass movement of the Congress Party, covering a distance of 6700 KM from 15 states.”

He added, “The Yatra will interact with every section of the society like farmers, labourers, Dalits, tribals, backward classes, small traders, shopkeepers, women, ex-servicemen, sportspersons, teachers, Asha workers, Anganwadi groups, NGOs, SHGs etc.”

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Congress leader and Mumbai Congress President, Varsha Gaikwad said, “The Deora family has a different equation with the Congress family. Milind Deora’s resignation from Congress’ primary membership is unfortunate. Today I am very saddened personally and as a Congress worker.” Over  Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra she said, “Murli Deora stood firmly with the party in all of its ups and downs… From today onwards the party is starting a historic Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and there is no greater misfortune than that they have taken this step on this very day.”

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Congress MP, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says, “…Rahul Gandhi had decided to initiate another yatra from East to West because North to South, he had already completed the yatra,” reported ANI.

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Congress leaders board Inphal-bound Indigo flight to kick-start Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra today.

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla said, “It would be better if he (Rahul Gandhi) starts ‘Congress Ke Netao Ki Nyay Yatra’ instead of ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’. He should give justice to the leaders of Congress who are leaving the party one by one.” Over Milind Deora’s exit from Congress and quest to join Shiv Sena, Shehzad Poonawalla said, “There should be a ‘Congress Jodo Yatra’ because from north to south and east to west, Congress leaders are fighting each other and leaving the party because Congress has become a talent free zone under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi,” reported PTI. 

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress leader, Ashok Gehlot said, “It’s a 6000 km yatra and holds importance…I wish the message from the yatra reaches all parts of the country.”

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Congress MP Rajiv Shukla said, “It will be a historic yatra…In this yatra, the word ‘nyaya’ has been added…Lakhs of people will be joining the yatra.”

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said, “The purpose of this yatra is seeking justice for everybody. Social, economic and political justice in this country…Rahul Gandhi is starting the yatra from Manipur to Mumbai.”

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Preparations for Congress’ Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in progress in Khongjom of Thoubal district.

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi were going to travel to Imphal for the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra via special IndiGo flight. The flight was delayed due to fog conditions at Delhi airport. The Congress leaders are waiting in the airport lounge and are yet boarded the flight.

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi left for Manipur from his residence to kick-start ‘Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra’ from Manipur today.

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Ahead of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi in a social media post on X shared NYAY anthem.

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: While addressing a press conference, Congress general secretary, Jairam Ramesh said the biggest challenge before the country is that it is facing an ideology which believes in polarisation, economic inequalities and political authoritarianism.

He said, “The prime minister shows golden dreams of ‘amrit kaal’ but what is the reality of the last 10 years – ‘anyay kaal’. No mention of ‘anyay kaal’ is made while big boasts of ‘amrit kaal’ are projected.” Jairam Ramesh added, “The yatra is being taken out keeping in mind political, economic and social injustices committed in the last 10 years.” He noted that this is a yatra by a political party. It is an ideological yatra and not an electoral one.

At the press conference, there were notable dignatories including former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, state party chief Keisham Meghachandra Singh, former Arunachal Pradesh CM Nabam Tuki and Congress Working Committee member Gaikhangam.

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Rahul Gandhi shared a video montage of women from Manipur on Saturday. The women shared wishes for the march while Rahul Gandhi on his WhatsApp channel stated, “This message of love from the women of Manipur is the blessing we need before we begin our battle for justice tomorrow.” 

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Congress said that it is taking out ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ as the government did not give it a chance to raise people’s issues in Parliament. The party suggested that the initiative is aimed at re-establishing the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution. Basically, the party seeks to revive its vote count ahead of Lok Sabha polls, after poor performance in the last round of assembly elections.

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra LIVE Updates: Rahul Gandhi in a post on X said, “The youth will have to think about what will be the identity of the India of our dreams? Quality of life or just emotions? Youth raising provocative slogans or the employed youth? Love or hate?”